Access Guide
Getting Help and Assistance
- For general information on accessibility and assistance at London Zoo please click here (new tab).
- Please click here for information on opening times.
- The following are available: zoo maps, downloadable zoo maps and mobile app.
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There are mobility aids available.
- The mobility aids available include mobile hoists, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact the Reptile Kiosk in the Blue Zone to the right as you enter the zoo.
- There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
- There is a safe space on site, ask a member of staff and you will be directed to or they will contact first aid.
- For visitors who are blind or partially sighted, talks are given around the zoo throughout the day. Staff are available to provide assistance and to give more information throughout the site.
There are also regular audio described tours on selected dates throughout the year at 10.45am. The tour will include tactile models of animals, immersive exhibits, and audio-descriptions of the animals' activities.
For more information on Audio Described Tours, please click here. - For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, subtitles are shown on all videos shown in exhibits.
There are regular Deaf-led tours throughout the year, you will need to contact in advance for the dates.
For more information on Deaf-led BSL tours, click here. - For visitors with autistic spectrum or other neurodiversity conditions, there are online resources to support with a visit, including Sensory Story and Visual Story.
There is a Penguin Pass to help those with additional needs to bypass queues. This may be downloaded from the website or mobile app. Show the pass to zoo team staff. It is also helpful to wear a sunflower lanyard.
There are also regular relaxed opening tours. They allow neurodivergent people and other people who would benefit in a calm and safe environment to enjoy the Zoo and take place either before or after normal opening or closing times, depending on the time of year. They are led by the Engagement and Community Engagement teams along a set route, agreed in advance with the animal and operation teams to ensure the best possible experience.
For more information on Relaxed Opening Tours, click here. - Assistance Dogs - Dogs are not permitted on site at the Zoo with the exception of assistance dogs under specific conditions:
If you do not have evidence of your dog's training e.g. ADUK ID booklet, please email [email protected] ahead of your visit to talk through the best options for you and your dog.
If you are bringing an assistance dog to the Zoo, you will be asked to meet with the Animal Duty Manager on arrival for an on-site briefing to confirm acceptance of our full terms and conditions and any special considerations on the given date of your visit. Your assistance dog may be asked to undergo a brief health check to protect the wellbeing of our animals on-site. Dogs are not permitted at animal demonstrations and talks, in any walkthroughs, or near big cat enclosures.
Zoo animals and dogs can react to each other, so if you notice any behavioural changes of concern, please move to another exhibit.
Your dog must remain calm and quiet, at least 2 metres away from any animal enclosure boundaries.
Your dog must be fit and healthy when visiting the Zoo, and not shown any signs of ill health – including diarrhoea and vomiting – in the last 24 hours.
They must have been resident in the UK for the last 6 months and have received all annual vaccinations and anthelmintic treatments.
Poop bags are available at the main gate on arrival - you must clean up after your dog and never leave dogs unattended or off the lead.
Water bowls are available for assistance dogs from the Terrace Restaurant upon request.
Animal Enclosures (Monkey Valley)
- This enclosure is outdoor and interactive.
- Monkey Valley is located in the Pink Zone.
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Entrance / Opening
View
- There is a single, manual gate with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open for access to this enclosure.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- The entrance/opening does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance/opening.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance/opening.
- There is a steep ramp over 150cm wide, with a handrail on the left.
- The ramp has a level landing and resting areas.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- There are 7 steps to access Monkey Valley, which is clearly marked, with a handrail on the right.
- Handrails cover the length of the flight of stairs and extend beyond the first and last step.
- Handrails are easy to grip and are not at a recommended height.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm, at 14cm high.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm, at 35cm deep.
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Animal Enclosure
View
- There is not level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The flooring in the enclosure is hard flooring and concrete or tarmac.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
- This area does play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Information in this area includes the following formats: braille, tactile, pictorial, information board, audio description and interactive exhibits at a recommended height for wheelchair users.
- The enclosure does not have a hearing assistance system.
- There is a staff member in the enclosure for information and assistance.
- There are slight ramps throughout the walk-through enclosure, and a slight ramp down to the picnic area and children's play area.
- There is a low level viewing area at 95cm high.
- A one-way system operates in this area.
- Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
- There is a wash basin in this area.
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
- The wash basin tap type is push.
- Visitors cannot handle or touch the animals (expect on special experiences); however, this is a walk-through enclosure, and wash basins are provided just after the exit.
- There is a high colour contrast between some walls and the walkways in this area.
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Exit
View
- Visitors exit via a separate exit/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
- There is a single, manual gate with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is step-free.
- There is a steep ramp over 150cm wide, with a handrail on the left.
- The ramp has a level landing.